This easy Asian cucumber salad is light, crunchy, and packed with flavor! Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy dressing, making it the perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal. Quick to prepare and full of refreshing flavors, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love It
- Crunchy, refreshing cucumbers
- Tangy, savory, slightly spicy dressing
- Quick and easy to make
- Perfect as a side dish or appetizer
Ingredients
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2–1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers: Rinse cucumbers and slice at an angle to create oval-shaped pieces. Thickness is up to your preference.
- Sweat the cucumbers: Place in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, mix well, and refrigerate for 20 minutes to draw out excess water.
- Rinse and drain: After chilling, rinse the cucumbers briefly and gently squeeze out extra moisture.
- Make the dressing: Add sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic to the cucumbers. Mix until well combined.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
Tips & Notes
- Sugar: Start with 1/2 tbsp and adjust to taste depending on your chili oil and preference.
- Chili oil: Adjust the amount for desired heat. Omit if you prefer a milder salad.
- Make ahead: Store cucumbers and dressing separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What to Serve With
This salad pairs beautifully with:
- Easy shrimp fried rice
- Hawaiian garlic shrimp
- Bang bang shrimp
- Egg fried rice
- Chicken and broccoli stir-fry
Variations
Try other cucumber recipes:
- Easy Cucumber Kimchi (Oi Kimchi)
- Asian Slinky Cucumber Salad
- Garlicky Cucumber Carrot Salad
- Pickled Cucumber Pineapple Salad (Acar Timun Nanas)
Enjoy this crunchy, flavorful cucumber salad as a quick side dish or appetizer any day of the week!
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